Can I use sandpaper instead of steel wool?

Sandpaper substitute
Steel wool is a simple stand-in for fine-grit sandpaper. Use the finest gauge steel wool (0000) to sand between layers of oil-based paint (if using water-based paint, minute bits of leftover steel wool may rust) or to buff out the final coat of paint.
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Can you use sand paper instead of steel wool?

In my experience, assuming the finish is dry, there isn't a difference other than the coarseness of the sand paper or steel wool. For some projects, a first pass with a coarse grade and then a finer grade gives a smoother texture to the last coat, especially if the last coat will be thin and glossy.
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What can you use instead of steel wool?

Non-woven abrasive pads (Scotch-Brite is one brand name) were a great alternative to steel wool, much like cassettes were way better than 8-track tapes. Steel wool leaves behind little bits of metal. If you work with white oak, those can react with the wood and stain it purple, and steel wool residue can also rust.
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Can you use regular sandpaper for metal?

It is recommended to use a 320 or higher grit count to sand metal. If you need to polish metal, it is best to use a much finer sandpaper grit. Although you could get away with using something as course as a 320 grit count, is it recommended to use something as fine as 1,200 grit count to achieve the smoothest finish.
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Can I use sand paper on steel?

Let the sandpaper's abrasive surface do the work. Higher grits may be needed when determining the best sandpaper for metal, such as brass. The best sandpaper for hard metals such as iron or steel is aluminum oxide, while the best sandpaper for softer metals such as aluminum or brass is silicon carbide.
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Some Secret Sanding Techniques



Will sandpaper scratch stainless steel?

Stainless steel is a great look until you scratch it. Then it looks awful. But you can “sand” out the scratches with sandpaper (400 to 600 grit) and a sanding block, an abrasive pad, or with a rubbing compound.
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What is the finest grit sandpaper for metal?

When choosing the best sandpaper for metal (to remove rust or to deburr an edge), you shouldn't use sandpaper with a grit coarser than 220, and, if possible, you should use an even finer one, such as 320. Those are also the coarsest grits you should use when sanding finishes between coats.
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Is sandpaper for metal and wood?

Aluminum oxide is a common sandpaper type that works on wood, plastic, metal and drywall. The particles break during sanding, constantly exposing new, sharp edges. Aluminum oxide sandpaper is long lasting, making it a popular choice for power-sanding, and you can also use it for hand-sanding.
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How do you remove rust with sandpaper?

Scrape away paint chips or rust flakes, use 40-grit sandpaper to remove the rust and then feather the edges with 120-grit sandpaper. Use 220-grit paper to smooth the entire patch and then wipe to remove any sanding dust.
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What can you use instead of wire wool?

3M Synthetic Steel Wool is a highly effective alternative to wire or steel wool. It is constructed from a combination of synthetic fibres and abrasive particles that work in the same way as the more traditional products to remove paint, coatings, rust and scale.
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Can you cut steel wool with scissors?

Sharpen scissors

It may seem counterintuitive, but using your dull scissors to cut steel wool actually sharpens them! You won't be able to grind a new bevel by any means, but a few snips through steel wool will renew the cutting edges of your scissors.
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Do you steel wool after staining?

Steel wool may be the answer if you simply want to lessen the stain on a block of wood. Steel wool removes the stain from the wood's surface and makes it seem lighter.
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Should I use steel wool between coats of paint?

Use the finest gauge steel wool (0000) to sand between layers of oil-based paint (if using water-based paint, minute bits of leftover steel wool may rust) or to buff out the final coat of paint. It's especially helpful when sanding atypical edges or beveling.
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Is sandpaper smooth or rough?

The higher the number, the finer the grit, and the less rough the sandpaper. Coarse sandpaper removes material faster but leaves deep scratches. Fine sandpaper removes less material and leaves a smoother surface. Grits can range between 24 for heavy material removal to 2000 and beyond for the gentlest sandpapers.
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What is white sandpaper used for?

Perhaps you have noticed that sandpaper is often red or white. You use red sanding sheets for blank wood, chipboard and metal and the white variant (which often lasts longer) for painting, filling materials and filler.
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What is sandpaper used for?

Today, most sandpaper consists of cloth or paper backing material impregnated with abrasive particles such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Sandpaper has a variety of uses in home repair activities but is most often used to clean and smooth wood or metal in preparation for finishing or painting.
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What is the best tool to sand metal?

There are many ways to sand paint off metal, but an orbital sander and a sanding block are the most common tools to use. Orbital sanders do most of the hard work for you and are more efficient than sanding blocks. If you don't have an orbital sander, you can buy one for about $60 or just use a sanding block.
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What tool is used to sand metal?

5.6 Quick coarse sanding – metal

If you simply want to remove as much material from a metal item as quickly possible rather than doing intricate work, it's best to use an angle grinder. With the right attachments, you can also use it on other materials such as wood.
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How do you polish metal with sandpaper?

You start with a coarse grit sandpaper, somewhere around 40 to 80 grit. Then just sand the metal to be polished. Make sure any big scratches are out. Then, sand it again with a finer sandpaper, somewhere around 100 or 160 grit.
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Is wet sanding better than dry?

Wet sanding, which is sanding with the addition of water to act as a lubricant, is less abrasive than dry sanding, and results in a smoother finish. It's best to wet-sand the final finish of a project. Dry sanding removes more material, and smooths rough material quickly.
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How do you smooth a metal surface?

Sanding. The process of rubbing a surface with abrasive material, such as sandpaper, is a common method of surface finishing. Coarse grit removes material quickly, while finer grit will give your surface a cleaner polish. Aluminum oxide sandpaper or silicon carbide sandpaper is best used for polishing metal.
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What is 120-grit sandpaper used for?

For heavy sanding and stripping, you need coarse sandpaper measuring 40- to 60-grit; for smoothing surfaces and removing small imperfections, choose 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. For finishing surfaces smoothly, use a super fine sandpaper with 360- to 600-grit.
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